The sights,

smells,

and tastes of summer...

...how sweet it is.

Ah, summer...I love the fact that the flowers are in full bloom, the grass is lush and green, and we've been BBQing for supper every chance we get. Summer just seems to lift my spirits so effortlessly.

Our trip is now only 17 days away and I feel like there is still a lot to do in preparation. We finally got all the details of our trip this week and that has definitely helped ease my feelings of unorganization. Plus it has boosted our excitement significantly with the reality of what we'll be doing and where we'll be staying. One exciting thing we found out is that for the couple of days that we aren't cruising, they are putting us up in 4 1/2 star hotels (one in Venice and one in Rome). Its hard enough to believe that we are even going on this trip, let alone the fact that we are getting to do it in the utmost of style. We would NEVER in a million years be able to do a trip like this if it weren't for my boss so generously giving it to us. Here is a picture of the hotel we'll be at in Rome. From what I have been told, its within a 20 minute walk from the Vatican and St.Peter's Cathedral--- two sites we definitely want to see!

Pretty unreal hey!?

We also found out that our cruise ship is brand new as of this month and is also rated at 4 1/2 stars. I can't wait to see it!
Apparently it is "fully loaded" with 3 pools, 5 hot tubs, spa, fitness centre, tennis court, and so much more. This is truly a dream come true and every time I think of this opportunity before us, I thank God for his blessings and goodness to us. We are so blessed to be able to see a new part of the world that we've been eagerly awaiting to see.

As I've said before, we'll be touring Venice, Greece, Croatia, Turkey and Rome. But one of the things I am looking forward to the most, is an afternoon that Shade-o-matic is putting on in celebration of their 25th anniversary year (and the whole reason this cruise is taking place). They have scheduled a guided bus tour through Tuscany with an afternoon of wine tasting and lunch in an old Tuscan castle. Sounds completely unbelievable--- I'm sure it will be a definite highlight!


In other news, Brianne and I will be "baching" it for the upcoming long weekend. Jon and Todd are off to Pines Bible Camp in Grand Forks to build some cabins so Brianne is going to come for a weekend "sleepover." I think we're going to take a trip to Bellingham and, if the weatherman is wrong about the rain we're supposed to be getting, maybe a day trip to Harrison. We'll see how the weather pans out. Other than that, probably lots of chick flicks and facebook :)
Have a great week everyone!